Well-Being Plays a Bigger Role in Cognitive Aging Than Many Realize, Belgian Neuropsychologist Says
Well-being may have a stronger influence on cognitive aging than many clinicians realize, explained Benjamin San Deville, MD, clinical neuropsychologist at CHU de Liège in Liège, Belgium. In his recent lecture at the Knowledge Forum, organized by the Friends of the University of Liège Network, he highlighted how personal fulfillment shapes stress management, memory performance, and overall health in later life.
"Does our memory get worse as we get older? Fake news!" Deville began, debunking common assumptions about cognitive aging. "This statement needs nuance: memory is made up of several systems. Working memory is sensitive to age and stress. Episodic memory also tends to weaken over time, but generally remains well preserved. Procedural memory, however, is very robust and can even withstand pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease. There is even one system that improves with age: semantic memory".
He emphasized that memory problems are not necessarily a sign of brain disease. "Neural networks can be impaired by stress, fatigue, or multitasking. Memory depends on many factors that aren't purely medical", he said. He added that stereotypes also play a role; how others perceive someone's memory performance can influence actual performance and the same is true for self-perception. Younger people tend to feel their memory works better. "Some studies suggest that this even influences life expectancy", he said.
He also clarified that everyday mental exercises such as crosswords or Sudoku do not improve overall memory. "You get better at that specific task, but that doesn't mean you'll remember a conversation better or find your keys more quickly", he said. What matters more is engaging in activities one truly enjoys mentally or physically. "Taking time for something you enjoy reduces stress and lowers cortisol production, a hormone that has negative effects on memory. It also helps you sleep better. Deep sleep is crucial for memory consolidation. And exercise improves the brain's supply of oxygen and nutrients, which positively affects neuronal function. Some studies have shown that physical activity increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein involved in the formation of new neurons".
"Studies show, unsurprisingly, that the higher the quality of life, the longer the life expectancy. However, results can differ depending on a country's culture and socioeconomic level: income considered 'comfortable' in Brazil may not be perceived the same way in the United States", he said.
To look beyond cultural differences and identify shared elements of good quality of life, Deville pointed to the Blue Zones: Okinawa (Japan), Ikaria (Greece), the Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica), the Ogliastra region (Italy), and Loma Linda (USA).
These regions have an unusually high number of people who live to very old ages while staying healthy. Their diets share key characteristics: little meat or dairy; plenty of vegetables, nuts, and tubers; and few processed foods. Meals are often light and locally sourced, and residents tend to walk long distances from an early age.
